Newsroom Assistant (UNION) - Content

The Columbus Dispatch is looking for a newsroom assistant to support our journalists' important work in the community.

The newsroom assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the executive editor and other editors while ensuring the smooth functioning of the newsroom, including managing content submissions and handling reader inquiries.

Duties include assembling content such as calendars, listings, letters to the editor, columns and briefs for digital and print platforms while meeting deadlines. Applicant should possess excellent organizational, typing, software and planning skills and work well under deadline pressure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the executive editor and other editors by ensuring the newsroom functions normally, including logistics for meetings and events, managing calendars, ordering supplies, submitting invoices and ensuring customer inquiries are properly routed or handled.
• For opinion content, gathering, fact-checking, proofreading and verifying the identities and otherwise preparing submitted letters to the editor and guest columns from readers for publication. Other duties include assisting in any public engagement efforts such as community forums, debates or other special events conducted by the editorial page editor. These duties might include set up, helping to schedule venue and attendees, ticket taking and check-in.
• Process freelancer and contributor content into our content management system, including invoicing.
• Order supplies and business cards for the newsroom. Keep staff cell phone list updated.
• Maintain and update weekly events lists. Create other specialized lists as needed.
• Support other network editors at other sites as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Verbal and Written Communication: Strong communication skills are crucial. This includes both verbal communication (phone calls, video chats, in-person conversations) and written communication (professional emails, memos, and document creation.)
• Computer Skills: You'll need to perform data entry, create spreadsheets, schedule meetings and possibly make presentations. A knowledge of Microsoft Office products, especially Excel, is essential.
• Attention to Detail/Organization: Must be detail-oriented, reviewing documents for errors or typos. Organizational skills are also key.
• Critical Thinking: Problem-solving and decision-making abilities are valuable. This role will often involve finding efficient solutions to everyday challenges.
• Time Management: Efficiently managing your time ensures productivity. Prioritizing tasks, meeting deadline sand staying organized contribute to effective time management.